Every year, June 5th celebrates World Environment Day – a global initiative introduced by the United Nations, to encourage awareness and provoke action toward the protection of our environment. This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution”, aims to help combat one of the biggest threats to our environment of all time.

We asked a few members of our environmentally-conscious team how they do their bit to cut down on the use of plastic….here’s what they had to say!

Helen, Executive Assistant

“I have always used glass tupperware instead of plastic. It’s perfect for reheating as you can eat directly out of it, which also saves on water when washing up. I also try to recycle every lid on milk or juice cartons. A lot of people don’t realize that often under the cap on cartons is an even bigger part of plastic, which can easily be taken off and also recycled. The plastic caps we donate in the office all go to the SEUR Foundation – a fantastic organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged children.

Calvin, Graphic Designer

“I refuse to use plastic shopping bags when at the supermarket – fabric shopping bags are very easy to carry around with you, plus they’re a lot stronger. It makes me sad when you see people in shops “doubling up” the bags if they have really heavy shopping! I also take my thermos to cafes for them to fill – it stays hotter for longer and sometimes, they even give you more coffee!”

Cristina, Finance Manager

“A lot of people are unaware that most coffee capsules are partly (sometimes wholly) made with un-recyclable plastic, that eventually ends up in landfills. Luckily, a lot of the coffee companies now offer capsules that are made from 100% compostable materials that decomposes over 12 days. I can now drink my morning coffee without feeling guilty, which somehow makes it taste even nicer!”

Victoria, Ground Operations Executive

“I don’t really like to use plastic tupperware, I prefer to reuse glass jam jars to bring salads to the office. They make great containers, plus the glass doesn’t retain color stains or odor like plastic does – which makes them a lot easier to wash! Recycling glass is also a much better process than recycling plastic; 80% of all recycled glass can be reclaimed, plus it uses 40% less energy when manufacturing it, and doesn’t give off any toxins.”